Gamecocks feast on Dogs' treats, win 34-16

Steve Spurrier acknowledged it was “neat” to remain in the thick of SEC East race after a 34-16 win against floundering Mississippi State, but he was less than happy.

South Carolina Gamecocks tight end Jerell Adams (89) scores a touchdown on a pass play in the third quarter of their game against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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Mike Davis
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South Carolina linebacker T.J. Holloman (11) returns an interception during the first half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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South Carolina's running back Mike Davis (28) catches the ball In the first half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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South Carolina Gamecocks running back Mike Davis (28) looks for extra yards on a run in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker T.J. Holloman (11) returns an interception in the second quarter against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina defensive tackle Kelcy Quarles
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South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Shaq Roland (4) scores a touchdown on a pass play in the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina wide receiver Shaq Roland catches a touchdown in the first quarter against Mississippi State.
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South Carolina spur Sharrod Golightly (9) celebrates a defensive stop in the first quarter against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) knocks down a pass attempt by Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) in the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina running back Mike Davis (28) breaks free for a big run in the first half against Mississippi State. Davis surpassed 1,000 rushing on the season with his efforts Saturday.
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South Carolina wide receiver Shaq Roland (4) catches a pass for the first touchdown during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina Gamecocks running back Mike Davis (28) breaks free for a first down on a run in the third quarter of their game against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Damiere Byrd (1) celebrates with teammate Bruce Ellington (23)after his touchdown catch in the third quarter of their game against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina Gamecocks wide receiver Damiere Byrd (1) celebrates after his touchdown catch in the third quarter of their game against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina players celebrate with safety Chaz Elder (17) after his interception in the second half of their game against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina players celebrate with safety Chaz Elder (17) after his interception in the second half of their game against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina Gamecocks safety Chaz Elder (17) returns the ball after an interception in the second half of their game against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina Gamecocks running back Mike Davis (28) breaks free for a big gain as Mississippi State Bulldogs defensive back Nickoe Whitley (1) chases in the third quarter of their game at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina Gamecocks running back Mike Davis (28) breaks free for a first down on a run in the third quarter of their game against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) hits Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) on an option play in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina defensive line coach Deke Adams celebrates after a play by defensive end Chaz Sutton (90) in the second quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Jordan Diggs (42) pressures Mississippi State Bulldogs quarterback Dak Prescott (15) into an interception in the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina Gamecocks cornerback Victor Hampton (27) forces and recovers a fumble on a play to Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver Robert Johnson (12) in the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina Gamecocks defensive end Gerald Dixon (44) brings down Mississippi State Bulldogs running back LaDarius Perkins (27) in the fourth quarter of their game at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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A South Carolina fan celebrates after a play in the fourth quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina's Pharoh Cooper (11) runs a play out of the wildcat formation in the third quarter of their game against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) looks for a hole during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina linebacker Sharrod Golightly (9), cornerback Jimmy Legree (15) and defensive end Darius English (8) dropMississippi State wide receiver Robert Johnson (12) for a loss during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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Cadets unfurl the flag for the National Anthem before the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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Cadets unfurl the flag for the National Anthem before the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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The Carolina Band takes the field before the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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The Carolina Band lead drum major takes the field before the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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during the half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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The Carolina Band performs prior to the start of the game at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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The Carolina Band prepares to take the field at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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A South Carolina fan gets ready to cheer before the start of their game against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina cheerleaders get the crowd pumped up before the start of their game against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina's Patrick Fish celebrates with kicker Elliott Fry after his field goal in the first half of their game against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina fans cheer in the third quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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Chris Young, a freshman at South Carolina, dresses up as "Gamecock Gameday Warrior, for every game at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) gets his ankle taped during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) knocks down a Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott (15) pass during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina spur Sharrod Golightly celebrates a tackle with cornerback Jimmy Legree during the first half of the Gamecocks' game against Mississippi State on Saturday.
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South Carolina linebacker Sharrod Golightly (9) drops Mississippi State wide receiver Jameon Lewis (4) for a loss during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina wide receiver Shaq Roland (4) and South Carolina wide receiver Bruce Ellington (23) celebrates Roland's first touchdown during the half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina wide receiver Damiere Byrd (1) is brought down by Mississippi State defensive back Kendrick Market (26) after a catch during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina takes the field before the start of their game against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) is sandwiched by the Bulldog's offensive line during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) is sandwiched by the Bulldog's offensive line during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) helps the referees call a penalty during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina running back Mike Davis (28) is off and running to during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. He eclipsed the 1000 yard rushing mark during the game.
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South Carolina running back Mike Davis (28) is off and running to during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. He eclipsed the 1000 yard rushing mark during the game.
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South Carolina linebacker Sharrod Golightly (9) drops Mississippi State running back LaDarius Perkins (27) during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) smiles to the sideline during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina running back Mike Davis (28) picks his way through the defense during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. He eclipsed the 1000 yard rushing mark during the game.
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South Carolina punter Elliott Fry (29) celebrates a successful field goal during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina wide receiver Shaq Roland (4) catches his second touchdown pass during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Sharrod Golightly (9) brings down Mississippi State Bulldogs running back LaDarius Perkins (27) in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina wide receiver Shaq Roland (4) catches his second touchdown pass during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina linebacker Skai Moore (10) intercepts a pass intended for Mississippi State wide receiver Joe Morrow (16) during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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Victor Hampton
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South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) hurries the pass of Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott (15) during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina running back Mike Davis (28) runs past the outstretched arm of Mississippi State linebacker Zach Jackson (14) during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. He eclipsed the 1000 yard rushing mark during the game.
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The Carolina Band played a tribute to Motown during the Homecoming halftime show of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. Here, Feature Twirler for the Carolina Band is Catherine Ramirez, a Junior Broadcast Journalism Major, heated up the show with fire batons.
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The Carolina Band played a tribute to Motown during the Homecoming halftime show of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. Here, Feature Twirler for the Carolina Band is Catherine Ramirez, a Junior Broadcast Journalism Major, heated up the show with fire batons.
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The Carolina Band played a tribute to Motown during the Homecoming halftime show of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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The Carolina Band played a tribute to Motown during the Homecoming halftime show of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. The student section was dancing to the songs.
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The USC Homecoming King Tim Olson and Homecoming Queen JennaMarie Hill were introduced during halftime of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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The USC Homecoming King Tim Olson and Homecoming Queen JennaMarie Hill were introduced during halftime of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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Decades from 1940 to the present were represented by former athletes during the Homecoming halftime show of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. Here, athletes from the '60's cheer.
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Decades from 1940 to the present were represented by former athletes during the Homecoming halftime show of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. Here, Clarence Sanders and Pat Vella represented the 1940's.
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The Carolina Band played a tribute to Motown during the Homecoming halftime show of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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The Carolina Band played a tribute to Motown during halftime of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina defensive tackle J.T. Surratt (97) sacks Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott (15) during the second half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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Fans liked what they were seeing during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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The South Carolina team takes the field for the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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The South Carolina team takes the field for the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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The South Carolina team takes the field for the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina Gamecocks quarterback Connor Shaw (14) looks to complete a pass in the first quarter at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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Cheerleader and the team take the field for the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) tries to get to Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott (15) during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) watches to see if a pass was complete during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina running back Mike Davis (28) leaps over a teammate during the first half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. He eclipsed the 1000 yard rushing mark during the game.
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South Carolina Gamecocks linebacker Skai Moore (10) celebrates his interception with teammates in the first half at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia, SC, Saturday, November 2, 2013.
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South Carolina plays Coastal Carolina for the first time in football on Saturday.
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The fans were happy during the second half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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The fans were happy during the second half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina safety Chaz Elder (17) celebrates his interception during the half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina wide receiver Damiere Byrd (1) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Bruce Ellington (23) during the second half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) watches the action during the second half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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The defense celebrates a stop during the second half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) during the second half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina defensive end Jadeveon Clowney (7) watches the action during the second half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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Elliott Fry
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South Carolina President Harris Pastides and others in the president's box get in the spirit during Sandstorm during the half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina head coach Steve Spurrier has a word with South Carolina quarterback Connor Shaw (14) during the second half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina running back Mike Davis (28) catches a pass to set up a touchdown during the second half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina running back Mike Davis (28) moves the pile during the second half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. He eclipsed the 1000 yard rushing mark during the game.
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Fans were happy during the second half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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The Gamecocks had a lot to crow about during the second half of their game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina wide receiver Damiere Byrd (1) catches a touchdown pass during the second half of the Gamecock's game against Mississippi State Saturday at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia.
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South Carolina's running back Mike Davis (28) runs the ball In the first half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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Mississippi State's running back Josh Robinson (34) is tackled by South Carolina's cornerback Jimmy Legree (15) and linebacker Kaiwan Lewis (8) in the first half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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Women's basketball head coach Dawn Staley does sideline dance before the start of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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Connor Shaw (14)
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USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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South Carolina's defensive end Chaz Sutton (90) tackles Mississippi State's quarterback Dak Prescott (15) in the first half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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South Carolina linebackers Jordan Diggs (42) and T.J. Holloman (11) celebrate a good play in the first half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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South Carolina's wide receiver Pharoh Cooper (11) runs the ball In the first half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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South Carolina's wide receiver Shaq Roland (4) runs down the sideline to score a touch down In the first half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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South Carolina's running back Shon Carson (7) runs the ball tailed by Mississippi State's linebacker Benardrick McKinney (50) in the first half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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The USC women's basketball team is recognized In the first half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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Head coach Steve Spurrier in the first half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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South Carolina's running back Mike Davis (28) catches the ball In the first half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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USC battles Florida tonight.
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USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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South Carolina's cornerback Jamari Smith (26) runs the ball in the second half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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South Carolina cornerback Victor Hampton
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USC head coach Steve Spurrier
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South Carolina's wide receiver Pharoh Cooper (11) is tackled while running the ball in the second half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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South Carolina's running back Shon Carson (7) is tackled by Mississippi State's defensive back Kendrick Market (26) in the second half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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South Carolina's running back Mike Davis (28) pushes past Mississippi State's defensive lineman Preston Smith (91) in the second half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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South Carolina's running back Mike Davis (28) evades Mississippi State's linebacker Zach Jackson (14)in the second half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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South Carolina running back Mike Davis (28)
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USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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South Carolina's running back Mike Davis (28)is tackled during a play in the second half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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Former USC player and Detroit Lions defensive end Devin Taylor greets fans in the second half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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Former USC player Kenny Miles signs autographs during the second half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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South Carolina's running back Mike Davis (28) is congratulated by teammate after completing the pass in the second half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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South Carolina's running back Mike Davis (28) completes the pass in the second half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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Fans high fiveSouth Carolina's cornerback Victor Hampton (27) as he leaves the field at the end of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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Fans high five players as they leave the field at the end of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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USC's head coach Steve Spurrier at the end of the second half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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Mississippi State's wide receiver Jameon Lewis (4) is tackled by South Carolina's wide receiver Kwinton Smith (82) in the second half of the game. USC faces off against Mississippi State at Williams-Brice Stadium, Saturday for homecoming.
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Mike Davis zipped past the 1,000-yard mark for the season, so he was happy.

A homecoming sellout crowd watched as South Carolina won its 15th in a row in Williams-Brice Stadium, so it was happy.

Steve Spurrier acknowledged it was “neat” to remain in the thick of SEC East race after a 34-16 win against floundering Mississippi State, but he was less than happy.

“Obviously, our offense sputtered,” the Gamecocks’ coach said. “It was not a good day for our offense. I think we need to go back to getting a little bit more physical in practice. Seems like we’re a little too soft, but fortunately our defense was there.”

South Carolina forced a season-high five turnovers as it moved to 7-2 overall and 5-2 in the SEC heading into next week’s open date.

“We had a lot more yards, a lot more plays. We were better on third down than they were, better on fourth down, but if you’re going to turn the ball over five times, go a minus-five in turnover ratio on the road in the SEC, your percentage to win is about one percent,” Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen said.

Efficiency was the name of the game for South Carolina, which ran 54 plays to Mississippi State’s 78 and gained 307 yards to the Bulldogs’ 385 but made all the day’s important plays.

Davis, a sophomore running back from Atlanta, became the eighth Gamecock in history to gain more than 1,000 yards in a season, putting up 128 yards on 15 carries to give him 1,058 for the year, and quarterback Connor Shaw tied a career-high with four touchdowns out of 10 completions.

The Gamecocks fell behind 7-0 in the first quarter and totaled 13 yards in the second quarter, but took advantage of turnovers on two of Mississippi State’s first three second-half possessions and led 34-10 after Elliott Fry hit his second field goal of the game, a 37-yarder with 2:07 remaining in the third quarter.

The Gamecocks were 1-of-11 on third down.

“The only way you win with that is when the defense forces (five) turnovers,” Shaw said.

Wide receiver Shaq Roland was the only offensive star of the day other than Davis and Shaw, catching two touchdown passes in the first quarter.

“We hit a few good ones, hit some touchdown passes, fortunately,” Spurrier said. “Third downs, we were pretty sorry and overall we were very sorry. Mississippi State had a good plan and they got the best of our offense today, but it’s a team sport.”

After allowing a nine-play, 60-yard touchdown drive on the Bulldogs’ first possession, South Carolina’s defense held Mississippi State to two scores in 13 possessions.

“We knew exactly what they were doing beforehand,” said Mississippi State quarterback Dak Prescott, who threw for 235 yards and rushed for 78. “We went down (and scored), and that’s how the entire game should have went. We hurt ourselves. The first drive should have been like the rest of the game.”

Instead, Mississippi State couldn’t keep from giving the ball to the Gamecocks the rest of way as they lost their seventh in a row to South Carolina.

“We didn’t squander the opportunities,” Spurrier said. “That’s about the only good thing you can say.”